Reef Hills State Park

Visitor Guide The 2032ha Reef Hills State Park is an area of Box‐Ironbark forests and woodlands near Benalla in north east Victoria. The forest is an important remnant of the original vegetation of the northern plains of Victoria and is valued by naturalists for its wide range of plant and animal life, including nationally significant flora and fauna.

Grey Box is the most common tree on the lower slopes and better‐drained plains, with similar scattered shrubs. In the wetter low‐lying areas there is an open forest of mainly River Red Gum with scattered Hedge Wattle and Wallaby Grass. A total of 137 plant species have been recorded, including a number of significant and rare species. There are 14 species of wattles including the rare Bentleaf wattle, 18 orchid species and many wildflowers such as Blue Pincushion, Tall Lobelia, Creamy Stackhousia and Diggers Speedwell. Over 100 different species of birds, 17 native mammals and a number of reptiles have also been Sugar Glider recorded. Birds include the White‐winged Chough, Gang Gang Cockatoo, Eastern and Crimson Rosella, Enjoying the park Spotted Pardalote and Diamond Firetail. Eastern Grey kangaroos, Sugar Gliders, Squirrel Gliders, Enjoy picnics, scenic drives, bushwalking, horse Koalas, Brush‐tail possums, Echidnas and Yellow‐ riding, bird watching, bicycle riding and recreational footed Antechinus are common, along with several prospecting. species of bats. The most significant species here is Picnic areas are provided, but there are no facilities the Brush‐ tailed Phascogale, considered as for camping. Nearby Benalla has hotel, motel and vulnerable. campground accommodation. Be fire ready and stay safe History On days of forecast Code Red Fire Danger this park As its name suggests, the gold rushes had an impact will be closed for public safety. on this area. Gold was discovered at Reef Hills in If you are already in the park you should leave 1860 and the area was worked for both reef and the night before or early in the morning for your alluvial gold until the early 1900s. Traces of the own safety. workings can be seen along the ridges and in the Closure signs will be erected and rangers will patrol gullies in the northern part of the park. where possible, however you may not receive a Timber was cut in the forest for gold mining, and personal warning that the park is closed so check later for domestic firewood. Commercial harvesting the latest conditions by calling 13 1963 or visit of timber no longer continues. www.parks.vic . gov.a u . Reef Hills was proclaimed as a regional park in May For up to date information on fires in Victoria or 1986 primarily for nature conservation as well as general fire safety advice call the Victorian outdoor recreation and education. In October 2002 Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667 or it was proclaimed a state park to recognise its visit www.e m ergen c y.vic.gov.au. significant contribution to the protection of the biodiversity of Box‐Ironbark systems. Plants and animals How to get there The park is about 200km north east of Melbourne, There are three main vegetation types in the park. about 4km from Benalla. It is easily accessible from On the ridges there is open forest of Red the Hume and Midland Highways. Stringybark, Long‐leaf Box and Red Box with a grassy understorey and scattered shrubs such as Golden Wattle and Woolly Wattle. July 2014 Printed on Australian‐made 100% recycled paper For more information call Parks Victoria on 13 1963 or visit ww w .parks.vic.go v .au For further information Reef Hills State Park

Call Parks Victoria 13 1963 HAIRS LANE To Benalla or visit www.p a r k s.vic.gov.au Benalla Visitor 3km a Information Centre Gol den 14 Mair Street Val e EVAN JAMES DR B Gol f e Co urs n e a To Wangaratta 45k l m J l O a

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Caring for the environ ment Help us look after your park by following these guidelines:

T Light Vi ol et Pist Please take rubbish with fires T ol wn Ran you for only 3k ge m recycling in and disposal All fire place native plants and s The animals Lion

are protected by law Golden Crown Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the park except for in vehicles travelling through Reef Hills the park, or on a leash south of the Freeway Firearms are prohibited except for in those areas designated for this purpose R ds Sealed roads Unsealed roads i f 4WD To To Mansfield Warrenbayne 60km 8km

ww w .parks.vic. p loc Picnic go v .au Ground Seasonal road r Disclaimer: Parks Victoria does not guarantee that this d data is without flaw of any kind and therefore closure Reef disclaims all liability which may arise a from you relying on this p d Hills State Park information.

e REFEREN r O Public land Data source acknowledgements: State Digital Mapbase. The State of Victoria and the Department of a (No Environment and Primary Industries. tb Reef access) Waterbody 3 Hills Cartography by Parks Victoria State m h Gate July 2014 Park For mobile App search for Avenza e PDF Maps t H r e e a a l r t e h a y is c P l a e r a k r s e d H e o a f l a t na h N F y t 0 0.5 r Ki l 0. lo e 25 m etr P e es e a e Parking w s o Information a t p Picnic y l 1 1 / 0 Fireplace e H li V i t i g r s h e i w s t a o i y f n

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